scholarly journals Looking for the X Factor in Bacterial Pathogenesis: Association of orfX-p47 Gene Clusters with Toxin Genes in Clostridial and Non-Clostridial Bacterial Species

Toxins ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria B. Nowakowska ◽  
François P. Douillard ◽  
Miia Lindström
Keyword(s):  
Gene Cluster ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Botulinum Neurotoxin ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Gene Clusters ◽  
Bacterial Pathogenesis ◽  
Toxin Gene ◽  
Toxin Complex ◽  
Analytical Tools ◽  
Bacillus Isolate

The botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) has been extensively researched over the years in regard to its structure, mode of action, and applications. Nevertheless, the biological roles of four proteins encoded from a number of BoNT gene clusters, i.e., OrfX1-3 and P47, are unknown. Here, we investigated the diversity of orfX-p47 gene clusters using in silico analytical tools. We show that the orfX-p47 cluster was not only present in the genomes of BoNT-producing bacteria but also in a substantially wider range of bacterial species across the bacterial phylogenetic tree. Remarkably, the orfX-p47 cluster was consistently located in proximity to genes coding for various toxins, suggesting that OrfX1-3 and P47 may have a conserved function related to toxinogenesis and/or pathogenesis, regardless of the toxin produced by the bacterium. Our work also led to the identification of a putative novel BoNT-like toxin gene cluster in a Bacillus isolate. This gene cluster shares striking similarities to the BoNT cluster, encoding a bont/ntnh-like gene and orfX-p47, but also differs from it markedly, displaying additional genes putatively encoding the components of a polymorphic ABC toxin complex. These findings provide novel insights into the biological roles of OrfX1, OrfX2, OrfX3, and P47 in toxinogenesis and pathogenesis of BoNT-producing and non-producing bacteria.

scholarly journals The Distinctive Evolution of orfX Clostridium parabotulinum Strains and Their Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A and F Gene Clusters Is Influenced by Environmental Factors and Gene Interactions via Mobile Genetic Elements

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theresa J. Smith ◽  
Charles H. D. Williamson ◽  
Karen K. Hill ◽  
Shannon L. Johnson ◽  
Gary Xie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Cluster ◽  
Botulinum Neurotoxin ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Gene Clusters ◽  
Toxin Gene ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Group I ◽  
Extrachromosomal Elements ◽  
Genomic Relationships ◽  
Recent Sequencing

Of the seven currently known botulinum neurotoxin-producing species of Clostridium, C. parabotulinum, or C. botulinum Group I, is the species associated with the majority of human botulism cases worldwide. Phylogenetic analysis of these bacteria reveals a diverse species with multiple genomic clades. The neurotoxins they produce are also diverse, with over 20 subtypes currently represented. The existence of different bont genes within very similar genomes and of the same bont genes/gene clusters within different bacterial variants/species indicates that they have evolved independently. The neurotoxin genes are associated with one of two toxin gene cluster types containing either hemagglutinin (ha) genes or orfX genes. These genes may be located within the chromosome or extrachromosomal elements such as large plasmids. Although BoNT-producing C parabotulinum bacteria are distributed globally, they are more ubiquitous in certain specific geographic regions. Notably, northern hemisphere strains primarily contain ha gene clusters while southern hemisphere strains have a preponderance of orfX gene clusters. OrfX C. parabotulinum strains constitute a subset of this species that contain highly conserved bont gene clusters having a diverse range of bont genes. While much has been written about strains with ha gene clusters, less attention has been devoted to those with orfX gene clusters. The recent sequencing of 28 orfX C. parabotulinum strains and the availability of an additional 91 strains for analysis provides an opportunity to compare genomic relationships and identify unique toxin gene cluster characteristics and locations within this species subset in depth. The mechanisms behind the independent processes of bacteria evolution and generation of toxin diversity are explored through the examination of bacterial relationships relating to source locations and evidence of horizontal transfer of genetic material among different bacterial variants, particularly concerning bont gene clusters. Analysis of the content and locations of the bont gene clusters offers insights into common mechanisms of genetic transfer, chromosomal integration, and development of diversity among these genes.

scholarly journals Novel Structural Elements within the NonproteolyticClostridium botulinumType F Toxin Gene Cluster

2010 ◽  
Vol 77 (5) ◽  
pp. 1904-1906 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Dover ◽  
J. R. Barash ◽  
K. K. Hill ◽  
J. C. Detter ◽  
S. S. Arnon
Keyword(s):  
Gene Cluster ◽  
Clostridium Botulinum ◽  
Gene Clusters ◽  
Gene Arrangement ◽  
Toxin Gene ◽  
Structural Elements ◽  
Novel Gene ◽  
First Time

ABSTRACTWe sequenced for the first time the complete neurotoxin gene cluster of a nonproteolyticClostridium botulinumtype F. The neurotoxin gene cluster contained a novel gene arrangement that, compared to otherC. botulinumneurotoxin gene clusters, lacked the regulatorybotRgene and contained an intergeniciselement between itsorfX2andorfX3genes.

scholarly journals Global distribution of anaerobic dichloromethane degradation potential

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert W. Murdoch ◽  
Gao Chen ◽  
Fadime Kara Murdoch ◽  
E. Erin Mack ◽  
Manuel I. Villalobos Solis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Cluster ◽  
Methylene Chloride ◽  
Control Function ◽  
Stratospheric Ozone ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Gene Clusters ◽  
Gene Cassette ◽  
Anaerobic Growth ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Homologous Gene

AbstractAnthropogenic activities and natural processes release dichloromethane (DCM), a toxic chemical with substantial ozone-depleting capacity. Specialized anaerobic bacteria metabolize DCM; however, the genetic basis for this process has remained elusive. Comparative genomics of the three known anaerobic DCM-degrading bacterial species revealed a homologous gene cluster, designated the methylene chloride catabolism (mec) gene cassette, comprising eight to ten genes with predicted 79.6 – 99.7% amino acid identity. Functional annotation identified genes encoding a corrinoid-dependent methyltransferase system, and shotgun proteomics applied to two DCM-catabolizing cultures revealed high expression of proteins encoded on the mec gene cluster during anaerobic growth with DCM. In a DCM-contaminated groundwater plume, the abundance of mec genes strongly correlated with DCM concentrations (R2 = 0.71 – 0.85) indicating their value as process-specific bioremediation biomarkers. mec gene clusters were identified in metagenomes representing peat bogs, the deep subsurface, and marine ecosystems including oxygen minimum zones (OMZs), suggesting DCM turnover in diverse habitats. The broad distribution of anaerobic DCM catabolic potential suggests a relevant control function for emissions to the atmosphere, and a role for DCM as a microbial energy source in critical zone environments. The findings imply that the global DCM flux might be far greater than emission measurements suggest.ImportanceDichloromethane (DCM) is an increasing threat to stratospheric ozone with both anthropogenic and natural emission sources. Anaerobic bacterial metabolism of DCM has not yet been taken into consideration as a factor in the global DCM cycle. The discovery of the mec gene cassette associated with anaerobic bacterial DCM metabolism and its widespread distribution in environmental systems highlight a strong attenuation potential for DCM. Knowledge of the mec cassette offers new opportunities to delineate DCM sources, enables more robust estimates of DCM fluxes, supports refined DCM emission modeling and simulation of the stratospheric ozone layer, reveals a novel, ubiquitous C1 carbon metabolic system, and provides prognostic and diagnostic tools supporting bioremediation of groundwater aquifers impacted by DCM.

scholarly journals Genetic Homogeneity of Clostridium botulinum Type A1 Strains with Unique Toxin Gene Clusters

2008 ◽  
Vol 74 (14) ◽  
pp. 4390-4397 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian H. Raphael ◽  
Carolina Luquez ◽  
Loretta M. McCroskey ◽  
Lavin A. Joseph ◽  
Mark J. Jacobson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Cluster ◽  
Clostridium Botulinum ◽  
Variable Region ◽  
Type A ◽  
Gene Clusters ◽  
Comparative Genomic ◽  
Toxin Gene ◽  
Strain Atcc ◽  
Nucleotide Polymorphisms ◽  
Single Strain

ABSTRACT A group of five clonally related Clostridium botulinum type A strains isolated from different sources over a period of nearly 40 years harbored several conserved genetic properties. These strains contained a variant bont/A1 with five nucleotide polymorphisms compared to the gene in C. botulinum strain ATCC 3502. The strains also had a common toxin gene cluster composition (ha−/orfX+) similar to that associated with bont/A in type A strains containing an unexpressed bont/B [termed A(B) strains]. However, bont/B was not identified in the strains examined. Comparative genomic hybridization demonstrated identical genomic content among the strains relative to C. botulinum strain ATCC 3502. In addition, microarray data demonstrated the absence of several genes flanking the toxin gene cluster among the ha−/orfX+ A1 strains, suggesting the presence of genomic rearrangements with respect to this region compared to the C. botulinum ATCC 3502 strain. All five strains were shown to have identical flaA variable region nucleotide sequences. The pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns of the strains were indistinguishable when digested with SmaI, and a shift in the size of at least one band was observed in a single strain when digested with XhoI. These results demonstrate surprising genomic homogeneity among a cluster of unique C. botulinum type A strains of diverse origin.

scholarly journals In Silico Prediction of Horizontal Gene Transfer Events in Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus Reveals Protocooperation in Yogurt Manufacturing

2009 ◽  
Vol 75 (12) ◽  
pp. 4120-4129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mengjin Liu ◽  
Roland J. Siezen ◽  
Arjen Nauta
Keyword(s):  
Gene Transfer ◽  
Horizontal Gene Transfer ◽  
Gene Cluster ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Streptococcus Thermophilus ◽  
Starter Cultures ◽  
Lactobacillus Helveticus ◽  
Lactobacillus Bulgaricus ◽  
Genetic Level

ABSTRACT Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, used in yogurt starter cultures, are well known for their stability and protocooperation during their coexistence in milk. In this study, we show that a close interaction between the two species also takes place at the genetic level. We performed an in silico analysis, combining gene composition and gene transfer mechanism-associated features, and predicted horizontally transferred genes in both L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus. Putative horizontal gene transfer (HGT) events that have occurred between the two bacterial species include the transfer of exopolysaccharide (EPS) biosynthesis genes, transferred from S. thermophilus to L. bulgaricus, and the gene cluster cbs-cblB(cglB)-cysE for the metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids, transferred from L. bulgaricus or Lactobacillus helveticus to S. thermophilus. The HGT event for the cbs-cblB(cglB)-cysE gene cluster was analyzed in detail, with respect to both evolutionary and functional aspects. It can be concluded that during the coexistence of both yogurt starter species in a milk environment, agonistic coevolution at the genetic level has probably been involved in the optimization of their combined growth and interactions.

The complete genome sequence ofClostridium botulinumF str. 230613, insertion sites, and recombination of BoNT gene clusters

Genome ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 54 (7) ◽  
pp. 546-554 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ren-Mao Tian ◽  
Tao Li ◽  
Xiao-Jun Hou ◽  
Qin Wang ◽  
Kun Cai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Cluster ◽  
Recombination Event ◽  
Clostridium Botulinum ◽  
Botulinum Neurotoxin ◽  
Gene Clusters ◽  
Pectin Lyase ◽  
Group I ◽  
A Cell ◽  
Insertion Sites ◽  
Lyase Domain

The genomic DNA of Clostridium botulinum F str. 230613 includes a chromosome (3 993 083 bp, 3502 coding sequences (CDs)) and a plasmid (17 531 bp, 25 CDs). The arrangement of the botulinum neurotoxin serotype F (BoNT/F) gene cluster, a 15-kb (or longer) fragment including the bont gene and other relevant genes, and its different insertion sites in C. botulinum A2 and C. botulinum F were formulated. Mobile elements and virulence factors were analysed. We also found a cell adhesion and pectin lyase domain–containing protein, which may function in attaching to the host and as a pectin lyase. The nine BoNT gene clusters of group I C. botulinum strains were located at three sites in the chromosome of C. botulinum F str. 230613. This study showed the inserting inclination of BoNT/A1 tend to have gene clusters inserted at site 3, BoNT/F at site 2, and BoNT/A2 at site 1. Additionally, we found the recombination event between the BoNT gene clusters of sites 2 and 3, a mechanism that contributed to the diversity of the BoNT gene cluster arrangement.

scholarly journals Botulinum-neurotoxin-like sequences identified from anEnterococcussp. genome assembly

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles H.D. Williamson ◽  
Theresa J. Smith ◽  
Brian T. Foley ◽  
Karen Hill ◽  
Paul Keim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Cluster ◽  
Genome Assembly ◽  
Botulinum Neurotoxin ◽  
Draft Genome ◽  
Gene Clusters ◽  
Flaccid Paralysis ◽  
Genomic Databases ◽  
Binding Motifs ◽  
Draft Genome Assembly ◽  
Botulinum Neurotoxins

AbstractBotulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are produced by diverse members of theClostridiaand result in a flaccid paralysis known as botulism. Exploring the diversity of BoNTs is important for the development of therapeutics and antitoxins. Here we describe a novel,bont-like gene cluster identified in a draft genome assembly forEnterococcussp. 3G1_DIV0629 by querying publicly available genomic databases. Thebont-like gene is found in a gene cluster similar to knownbontgene clusters. Protease and binding motifs conserved in known BoNT proteins are present in the newly identified BoNT-like protein; however, it is currently unknown if the BoNT-like protein described here is capable of targeting neuronal cells resulting in botulism.

scholarly journals Novel transferable resistance-nodulation-division pump gene cluster tmexCD2-toprJ2 that confers tigecycline resistance in Raoultella ornithinolytica

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheng-Zhen Wang ◽  
Xun Gao ◽  
Qi-Wen Yang ◽  
Lu-Chao Lv ◽  
Miao Wan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Cluster ◽  
Efflux Pump ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Gene Clusters ◽  
Nucleotide Level ◽  
System Calls ◽  
Resistance Nodulation Division ◽  
Mobile Gene ◽  
Genetic Context

We recently identified a novel plasmid-mediated RND-type efflux pump gene cluster, tmexCD1-toprJ1 in Klebsiella pneumoniae, that conferred resistance to multiple antimicrobials, including tigecycline. While homologs of tmexCD1-toprJ1 were found encoded in many other bacterial species in GenBank, their function and transfer mechanism remain unknown. This study identified another mobile gene cluster, tmexCD2-toprJ2, co-occurring on both plasmid (pHNNC189-2) and chromosome of a clinical Raoultella ornithinolytica strain NC189 producing KPC-2, NDM-1, and RmtC. tmexCD2-toprJ2 shares high similarity at nucleotide level to tmexCD1-toprJ1 with 98.02%, 96.75%, and 99.93% identity, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that tmexCD2-toprJ2 may have originated from chromosome of a Pseudomonas species. Expression of tmexCD2-toprJ2 in Escherichia coli strain resulted in an 8-fold increase of tigecycline MIC and decreased susceptibility to other antimicrobials. Genetic context analyses demonstrated that tmexCD2-toprJ2, together with the adjacent hypothetical site-specific integrase genes, was possibly captured and mobilized by a XerD-like tyrosine recombinase system, forming a putative transposition unit (xerD-like-int-thf2-ybjD-umuD-ΔumuC1-int1-int2-hp1-hp2-tnfxB2-ISBvi2-tmexCD2-toprJ2-ΔumuC1), which was inserted into umuC-like genes in both the NC189 plasmid pHNNC189-2 and chromosome. As tmexCD1-toprJ1 and tmexCD2-toprJ2 could confer multidrug resistance, the spread of these gene clusters, associated with the new recombinase system, calls for more attention.

Amino Acids Sequence-based Analysis of Arginine Deiminase from Different Prokaryotic Organisms: An In Silico Approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 235-246
Author(s):  
Sara Abdollahi ◽  
Mohammad H. Morowvat ◽  
Amir Savardashtaki ◽  
Cambyz Irajie ◽  
Sohrab Najafipour ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Physicochemical Properties ◽  
Sequence Alignment ◽  
Multiple Sequence Alignment ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Arginine Deiminase ◽  
Antitumor Effects ◽  
Multiple Sequence ◽  
In Silico Studies

Background: Arginine deiminase is a bacterial enzyme, which degrades L-arginine. Some human cancers such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and melanoma are auxotrophic for arginine. Therefore, PEGylated arginine deiminase (ADI-PEG20) is a good anticancer candidate with antitumor effects. It causes local depletion of L-arginine and growth inhibition in arginineauxotrophic tumor cells. The FDA and EMA have granted orphan status to this drug. Some recently published patents have dealt with this enzyme or its PEGylated form. Objective: Due to increasing attention to it, we aimed to evaluate and compare 30 arginine deiminase proteins from different bacterial species through in silico analysis. Methods: The exploited analyses included the investigation of physicochemical properties, multiple sequence alignment (MSA), motif, superfamily, phylogenetic and 3D comparative analyses of arginine deiminase proteins thorough various bioinformatics tools. Results: The most abundant amino acid in the arginine deiminase proteins is leucine (10.13%) while the least amino acid ratio is cysteine (0.98%). Multiple sequence alignment showed 47 conserved patterns between 30 arginine deiminase amino acid sequences. The results of sequence homology among 30 different groups of arginine deiminase enzymes revealed that all the studied sequences located in amidinotransferase superfamily. Based on the phylogenetic analysis, two major clusters were identified. Considering the results of various in silico studies; we selected the five best candidates for further investigations. The 3D structures of the best five arginine deiminase proteins were generated by the I-TASSER server and PyMOL. The RAMPAGE analysis revealed that 81.4%-91.4%, of the selected sequences, were located in the favored region of arginine deiminase proteins. Conclusion: The results of this study shed light on the basic physicochemical properties of thirty major arginine deiminase sequences. The obtained data could be employed for further in vivo and clinical studies and also for developing the related therapeutic enzymes.

scholarly journals Structural comparison of Acinetobacter baumannii β-ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein reductases in fatty acid and aryl polyene biosynthesis

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Woo Cheol Lee ◽  
Sungjae Choi ◽  
Ahjin Jang ◽  
Kkabi Son ◽  
Yangmee Kim
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Acinetobacter Baumannii ◽  
Gene Cluster ◽  
Fatty Acid Synthase ◽  
Acyl Carrier Protein ◽  
Gene Clusters ◽  
Carrier Protein ◽  
Aryl Group ◽  
Visible Absorption

AbstractSome Gram-negative bacteria harbor lipids with aryl polyene (APE) moieties. Biosynthesis gene clusters (BGCs) for APE biosynthesis exhibit striking similarities with fatty acid synthase (FAS) genes. Despite their broad distribution among pathogenic and symbiotic bacteria, the detailed roles of the metabolic products of APE gene clusters are unclear. Here, we determined the crystal structures of the β-ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) reductase ApeQ produced by an APE gene cluster from clinically isolated virulent Acinetobacter baumannii in two states (bound and unbound to NADPH). An in vitro visible absorption spectrum assay of the APE polyene moiety revealed that the β-ketoacyl-ACP reductase FabG from the A. baumannii FAS gene cluster cannot be substituted for ApeQ in APE biosynthesis. Comparison with the FabG structure exhibited distinct surface electrostatic potential profiles for ApeQ, suggesting a positively charged arginine patch as the cognate ACP-binding site. Binding modeling for the aryl group predicted that Leu185 (Phe183 in FabG) in ApeQ is responsible for 4-benzoyl moiety recognition. Isothermal titration and arginine patch mutagenesis experiments corroborated these results. These structure–function insights of a unique reductase in the APE BGC in comparison with FAS provide new directions for elucidating host–pathogen interaction mechanisms and novel antibiotics discovery.

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